Singing in Opposition to Regina’s ’Unwanted Guest’ Initiative

Singing in Opposition to Regina’s ’Unwanted Guest’ Initiative

After Regina’s Board of Police Commissioners faced unprecedented public scrutiny at their year-end public meeting this Wednesday, more than two dozen Unwanted Carollers in Santa hats and matching attire will serenade Christmas shoppers with the song “12 Days of Unwanted Guests” at the Cornwall Centre on Saturday, Dec 19 at 2:15 PM.
One of the carollers will be Florence Stratton. She explains: “Nowhere in the RPS documents on the Unwanted Guest Initiative is it specified exactly what activities can give rise to a ban. This allows business owners to issue bans on an arbitrary basis, leaving room for stereotypes and the targeting of racialized and marginalized people. Moreover, a ban cannot be appealed.”
Bob Hughes with the Saskatchewan Coalition Against Racism (SCAR) shares Stratton’s concerns and will be joining the the carollers to raise awareness. He says, “SCAR is concerned about the impact this initiative will have on marginalized residents of Regina.” He continues, “I hope Saturday’s event will raise awareness and questions about this troubling program and who might be the target of such bans.”